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Aerial Dance Theater to Perform Oct. 19, 20, 21

Submitted by Karen Bos on Mon, 2006-10-02 09:16

Aerial Dance Theater will celebrate 20 years of presenting the art of dance in the Holland community with its upcoming performances on Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 19-21, at 8 p.m. at Hope College at the Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland.

This year's program will include the popular favorite "Sideshow," a quirky and colorful multi-media spectacle that humorously attempts to tell the history of the world in 15 minutes. "The Women," a lush and earthy trio from the full-length "Chandra," choreographed by guest artist Ray Tadio, will be seen again, as well as last year's "September," a sensitive atmospheric ensemble piece that evokes seasonal change and the passing glory of summer.

New works include the dream landscape "Les Enfants De Nuit," choreographed by company member Joshua Cummings, and an unusual solo by Artistic Director Steven Iannacone based on the themes of ritual, illusion and earth inspired by his recent travels to the deserts of the Southwest and the memory of his experiences in Japan. Erik Alberg, Aerial's technical director, will again create the integral visual effects and sound scores that help define the look, mood and texture of the company's unique and diverse works.

This past year Aerial has experienced a large turn over in dancers and several new members have recently been added to the company, which is now comprised of Hal Alsum, Kari Burke, Cami Grimwood, Anna L. Jonkman, Sarah Loomis, Shauna Masura, Joanna Rodriguez, Teresa VanDenend and Jenna Witten.

Iannacone noted that the dancers are excited about this fall season as Aerial will seek their input, along with the audience's, to re-name the company in this anniversary year. Several options for a new name will be suggested, solicited and discussed at the post-performance "Question and Answer" sessions following each night's performance. "Feedback from those present at the discussions will help finalize the selection for a new name with which Aerial hopes to invigorate and re-energize itself at this significant milestone in its history, and to move forward under a new identity that more clearly communicates its artistic vision," Iannacone said.

Tickets will be available in the lobby on the day of performance starting at 7 p.m. with general seating beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 for regular admission and $5 for students and senior citizens, with admission free for children 12 and under to provide affordable accessibility to the special nature of live performance for families and audience members from all segments of the community.

Aerial Dance Theater is a professional touring company in residence at Hope College and performs regularly at its home theater, the Knickerbocker, as well as throughout Michigan, the Midwest and beyond, including Belgium, Germany and Mexico. The company was co-founded in 1986 by Linda Graham, professor of dance and chairperson of the department at Hope; Kate Fornarotto, a 1986 Hope graduate now living in Pocatello, Idaho; and the late Judith Brooky-Green.